In this video, Tricia shares her tips on prepping your garden for winter. From winterizing your tools, to preventing plant diseases from carrying over to the next season, you'll learn how to keep your garden protected for the cold winter ahead!
Preparing Your Garden for Winter: Essential Tips for an Organic Garden
As autumn settles in, it’s time to transition your garden for the colder months ahead. By taking a few simple steps now, you’ll protect your garden through the winter and set the stage for a thriving spring. Here are key tasks to prepare your garden for the winter season.
Turn Off Irrigation and Protect Pipes
With fall rains and frosts arriving, it’s time to turn off and drain your irrigation system. Leftover water in lines can freeze and damage pipes and emitters. Be sure to address any trapped water in low spots by installing inline valves or blowing compressed air through the system. Wrap exposed pipes to shield them from frost damage.
Winterize Your Tools and Supplies
Disconnect and store garden hoses in a shed or garage, ensuring they are not kinked. Clean, sharpen, and oil your tools to keep them in top condition for spring. Review the labels of liquid fertilizers and pest control products to determine if they need protection from freezing, and store them appropriately.
Protect Young Trees and Clean Up Your Garden
Use tree guards to shield young, thin-barked trees from sunscald, which occurs when warm winter sun prematurely awakens bark cells, leaving them vulnerable to frost. Tree guards also deter girdling from hungry rabbits and mice. Gather fallen fruit to reduce overwintering pests and diseases, and remove dead vegetable plants, roots, and all, to minimize pathogens.
Mulch and Plant for the Future
Mulch your trees, shrubs, and perennials with compost and a top layer of straw or bark. Keep mulch away from trunks to prevent rot while insulating roots and reducing weed growth. Fall is also the perfect time to plant wildflowers, garlic, onions, and leeks, ensuring a vibrant spring bloom and harvest.
Prepare your garden for winter, and enjoy the rewards of a healthy, organic garden in the coming year.
